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What’s Emma Lauren been up to?

Well hello there! It’s been quite some time since you last heard from me and what a whirlwind the past 18 months have been! In fact, I actually hadn’t realised how much had changed since I last posted… until I started to write this.

Since quite some time has passed, thought I’d better bring you up to speed with what’s been happening in the life of Emma Lauren…

To start with, I have moved from Australia and am now living in London, which is an incredible city to say the least. The old buildings, beautiful gardens and parks (frequented for morning walks and summer picnics), rich history and the weather (surprisingly!) are just a few of the things I love about this city.

Picnics in the garden with the neighbour’s puppy

You might be thinking: What? The weather? Isn’t it raining and cold ALL THE TIME?

Well, yes this is mostly true. But after growing up in Cairns, where it’s either dry or wet AND hot all year round, it’s so nice (or for me, exciting!) to properly experience the different seasons… so bring on winter and hopefully a bit of Christmas snow!

On the career front, quite a few exciting things have happened too. Last year, I found myself based in the US for a few months so visited the likes of New York, DC, Baltimore and Arizona.

This gave me the opportunity to meet new people and also catch up with old friends, as well as experience Halloween and get into the American sports, NFL and baseball.

Enjoying a falafel wrap from the Baltimore Markets

Travel certainly has been a huge part of my life, even more so recently, as in the past year I’ve been to 11 countries… I couldn’t keep track of the cities! And there are so many more to tick off my list with Europe now on my doorstep…

Here are a few snaps from my travels:

Soaking up the Tuscan sun!

The chef on a recent cruise created this gluten- and dairy-free dessert for me, was delicious!

Local markets in Positano

Old Citroen in France

Italian feast we made in Positano

Amazing chateau in France

Gluten-free calamari in Mykonos

With my sisters in Capri

So, why the move?

I was offered an amazing career opportunity in London and honestly haven’t looked back. Living in London, I often have those ‘pinch me’ moments – as in, is this really my life! Even on my morning walk from the tube to the office, I cross Blackfriars Bridge and see Big Ben and the London Eye to my right and the Shard to my left… as cliché as it may sound, I don’t think it’s something I will ever get tired of seeing.

Something else I’ve started (which I am really excited about!) is a new Facebook page and Instagram account, 1-2-3 Gluten-Free, where I share recipes, articles, and my own travel experiences – I would love for you to check these out!

‘Family Dinners’

The reason behind starting these is that since moving to London I’ve really noticed how limited the options are for people who are gluten-free. I wanted to share my experiences – both in London and travelling through Europe (and the US, from time to time). The gluten-free offerings in London are certainly improving but (sorry to say!) is more limited than Australia.

Australia is quite advanced when it comes to health food, especially offering gluten-free options on menus at most restaurants and the health food stores are well stocked. In London, there is Wholefoods (check it out if you haven’t already, it’s incredible!). The supermarkets are starting to bring out more free-from food options as they see the need and demand for these products. So, things are looking up for the gluten-free crowd, but there is still a long way to go.

I look forward to sharing more of my life in London with you along with recipes and my travel adventures, so stay tuned for my next post. I promise, now that I’m settled, I won’t keep you hanging for another 18 months again.

Oh and one more thing, since it’s nearly Christmas, we’ve just put our tree – which is actually real, not artificial! The smell is amazing, but I’m not loving the pine needles everywhere though – but it’s a small price worth paying.

Our Christmas tree – feeling festive!

Let me know what you would like to see more of in 2017. Comment below…